HC Deb 05 August 1912 vol 41 c2661
22. Mr. TOUCHE

asked whether the Insurance Commissioners can arrange to transfer the value of stamps where, in error, postage stamps have been placed on National Insurance cards instead of the special health stamps?

Mr. MASTERMAN

In cases in which employers have inadvertently affixed postage stamps to contribution cards in payment of contributions, arrangements have been made to issue fresh cards, stamped with the health insurance stamps, in exchange for the incorrectly stamped cards if application is made by the employers immediately after the stamps have been affixed. This concession can, however, only be granted for a very limited time.

Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

Is there any reason why ordinary postage stamps should not be available for this purpose? It would save everybody a great deal of trouble.

Mr. MASTERMAN

That question would need a fuller explanation than I can give at the present moment. It is regarded as vital by the Post Office that there should be special health stamps.

Mr. TOUCHE

What is meant by "immediately after the stamps have been affixed"? Does it mean the same day or the same week?

Mr. MASTERMAN

A certain amount of latitude should be allowed, but it will be impossible to allow more that a certain amount of latitude.